The unemployment–labor force participation linkage in Iran’s women labor market

Purpose During recent years, the long-run relationship between unemployment rate (UR) and labor force participation (LFP) has been examined in-depth in developed developing economies. This paper aims to explore this for Iranian women 31 provinces from 2005Q2 2019Q1. Design/methodology/approach To examine existence of a female LFP UR, time-series cointegration approach used. Furthermore, regarding low power univariate approach, authors consider panel version tests by Westerlund. Findings Both test support invariance hypothesis most provinces, especially religious ones. As it implies an supply side policies, seems that reducing legal cultural barriers could be more relevant decrease UR increase than training programs or R&D policies. The present results also suggest that, group regions, centralized policy design appropriate, instead regional one. Originality/value study investigates whether holds Iran, which not analyzed before market. Moreover, adopts takes into account huge differences Iran.